Immune (food allergy, infection)

Histamine is a compound found in all cells of the body and is a natural component of many foods. It is an important component of the immune and neurologic systems and is involved in the process of inflammation. Histamine causes a variety of symptoms depending on where it is released and what receptors it binds to. 

Some food contain histamine and some foods cause histamine to be released and may need to be addressed in your diet. Seek professional help with this one, book a consultation This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Histamine Containing & Releasing Foods

• Anchovies
• Avocados
• Beer
• Canned Foods
• Cheeses Ciders
• Eggplant
• Fermented Beverages
• Fermented Foods
• Fish- Herring, Mackerel, Sardines, Tuna
• Jams and Preserves
• Meats-  Processed Meats, Salami, Sauerkraut, Sausage,
• Sour Cream
• Spinach
• Tomatoes
• Vegetables
• Vermouth
• Vinegars
• Wines
• Yeast extract
• Yoghurt
• Soy Products
• Soy sauces and fermented soybean curd
• Fermented Meats

Histamine-Releasing Foods

Foods that release histamine into the body include:

• Alcohol
• Bananas
• Certain Nuts
• Chocolate
• Eggs
• Fish
• Milk
• Papayas
• Pineapple
• Shellfish
• Strawberries
• Tomatoes

These foods inhibit phenol sulphotransferase therefore the breakdown of vasoactive amines and serotonin Penicillin, OCP and theophylline decrease B6

Are some people more prone to Histamine food poisoning?

Studies have shown that histamine-intolerant individuals may have a deficiency of the enzyme, diamine oxidase, in the small intestinal mucosa, resulting in decreased breakdown, and increased absorption of histamine in the gastrointestinal tract. Diamine oxidase levels are known to be about 500-fold elevated in pregnancy.

Almost 100 drugs have been shown to inhibit diamine oxidase, including: * Clavulanic acid found in Augmentin (antibiotics) * Doxycycline * Isoniazid (antibiotics used to treat tuberculosis) * Metoclopropramide (used to treat 'stomach upsets') * Verapamil (used to treat heart conditions) * Promethazine * Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (older drugs used to treat depression) * Herbal & Nutritional supplements are an area for future research.

Do Nutritional supplements with tyrosine (which is converted to tyramine, a very similar amine to histamine) increase the risk of scombroid poisoning?

Nutrients regulate diamine oxidase release in the intestinal mucosa (1). Some studies suggest that Zinc, manganese, Niacin, Vitamin B12 and folic acid may increase histamine levels.

Alcohol is also seen as a histamine liberator, i.e., it can enhance the effect of histamine in sensitive individuals. B6 assists diamine oxidase Diamine oxidase (DAO) is an enzyme synthesized primarily in the gastrointestinal mucosal cells.

Please book a consultation This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or consult your doctor  if you are on medication or if symptoms persist.

Carina Harkin BHSc.Nat.BHSc.Hom.BHSc.Acu.

Cert IV TAE.